Top 5 river cruises in the USA

21 September 2015

Travelling by riverboat might evoke the spirit of a bygone era, but it remains one of the best ways to discover the United States. And as more tourists take to the waterways, we round up five of the best river cruises in the USA.

Steam up the Mississippi

There’s only one way to tackle the mighty Mississippi – and that’s by paddle steamer. These traditional vessels have been plying this iconic waterway for more than 200 years and take passengers on a picturesque journey through Louisiana and Tennessee. A cruise up the Mississippi is also a journey through the South’s celebrated musical heritage: from jazz in New Orleans to the trailblazing rock ‘n’ roll of Elvis Presley; the soundtrack will be as memorable as the scenery.

Cruise the Colorado

At a push you could describe the Colorado River as one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World on account of it flowing through the Grand Canyon, which is indeed ascribed on that short list. Okay, so that might be pushing it, but there’s no doubt that this is one spectacular waterway. Flowing through seven US states (as well as Mexico), the Colorado is renowned for its dramatic canyons and epic scenery, which are a stark contrast to the refined ambiance aboard the cruise ships that ply this mighty waterway. After the cruise why not have a flutter in nearby Vegas or check out the Grand Canyon from another angle (it never gets boring)?

Slither up Snake River

Meandering through the Pacific Northwest, you can see why they call this Snake River. Once the lifeblood for the Native American communities living along its banks, this legendary waterway winds through the world’s first national park, Yellowstone, which is home to grizzly bears, wolves and bison (arguably best observed from the safety of a boat). As well as mega wildlife, a cruise up Snake River offers shape-shifting landscapes, excellent local wines and history galore: the pioneers Lewis and Clark first paddled these waters some 200 years ago, as they explored the New World.

Yellowstone National Park, one of USA's top attractions

Meander down the Missouri

The longest river in North America, this epic waterway takes its title from the indigenous Missouri tribe, whose name means “people with wooden canoes”. Although people do still hop in canoes to explore this river, most people with any sense opt for a cruise, which requires far less effort. Sit on the deck with a glass of wine and watch the scenery evolve. Eagle-eyed passengers may also be lucky enough to catch sight of a fantastic array of migrating birds, including the interior least tern and the iconic bald eagle.

Lose yourself on the Yukon

Surely one of the most beautiful watercourses in North America, the Yukon starts in Canada before scything its way through the wild, unspoiled landscapes of Alaska. It may not be able to offer the sultry temperatures of the Mississippi or the Colorado, but passengers cruising along this river will feel more than compensated for by the incredible scenery. Once upon a time people were steaming up and down this river to follow the gold rush, nowadays they realise the real treasure lies is the journey itself.

Published by Mail Travel, a division of Associated Newspapers Limited, a company registered in England under company number 84121 with a registered office at Northcliffe House, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5TT

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